In these parts, Mexican food is a must. But how can you distinguish the best from the rest?

We’ve narrowed the Valley’s plethora of Mexican food joints down to our 21 favorites. From bean dip to breakfast burritos and chimis to carnitas, here’s your guide to the best Mexican eats in town.

Best diet buster:
Someburros’ pollo fundido

In terms of pure nutritional value, Someburros’ pollo fundido probably makes the Whopper look like a tofu burger. And that’s precisely why it’s so sinfully tasty. The enormous dish, featuring marinated chunks of chicken wrapped in a tortilla, deep fried and topped with spicy cream cheese, grated cheddar and green onions, is served with rice (that would be the only healthy thing about this meal).
101 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, and 1335 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert,

Best alternative to salsa:
Serrano’s bean dip

One of the Serrano family members was my junior high school English teacher. Had I known then what I know now about Serrano’s famous bean dip, I would’ve inquired less about “A Tale of Two Cities” and more about her family’s secret recipe, because the stuff — served complimentary with chips and salsa — is divine. Featuring a nice little kick (of jalapeños, perhaps), the bean dip is the best thing about this popular local chain.
Locations in Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Ahwatukee Foothills

Best Italian take on Mexican:
Nello’s enchilada pizza

In theory, Mexican pizzas are just wrong — or at the very least, horribly unauthentic. But somehow, Nello’s enchilada pie is just so right. Topped with chicken, black olives, onions and green chilies over a generous layer of enchilada sauce, the pizza — served with sour cream and guacamole — is a nice change from plain ol’ pepperoni. Who knew Italians could have such a tasty take on Mexican cuisine? Locations in Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale and Ahwatukee Foothills

Best way to start your meal:
Chevy’s chips and salsa

In most cases, Mexican food from chain restaurants just doesn’t cut it — especially considering we live in an area known for its south-of-the-border fare. Still, there’s just something about the mesquite barbecue salsa and chips at Chevy’s that keeps us coming back for more. The chunky, smoky salsa is consistently good, as are the warm, perfectly salted, not-too-thick chips. Guess chain restaurants aren’t all bad.
1335 S. Alma School Road, Mesa, and 2650 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix,

Best burritos:
Chipotle

Like extra guacamole? Prefer lettuce but no tomato? Build your dream burrito at this locally based chain, which offers big, fat burros at tiny prices. Chipotle offers steak, chicken and veggie burritos; patrons can add everything from fajita-style veggies, cheese and sour cream to black or pinto beans and three different salsas. (Rocker and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne is also a fan of Chipotle, as an entire episode of last season’s “The Osbournes” was devoted to Ozzy’s love affair with the burrito.)
Locations in Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert and Phoenix

Best New Mexican eats:
Blue Adobe Grille

If green chilies are your thing, you won’t want to miss the New Mexican fare at Mesa’s popular Blue Adobe Grille. Offerings include smoked pork tamales, shrimp enchiladas and green chili lobster dip. And for those who prefer their Southwestern food with a dash of Italian flair, Blue Adobe offers pasta and pizza prepared with lots of garlic, cilantro and — you guessed it — green chili cream sauce.
144 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa,

Best tequila fix:
Rancho de Tia Rosa’s margaritas

There’s so much to love about Tia Rosa — the colorful architecture, the killer spinach enchiladas — that the margaritas are often overlooked. But the truth is, Tia Rosa serves up one mean margarita. The secret? It’s all in the ice, which is of the round, loosely packed variety. This ensures that the frozen margaritas are chunk-free and the margaritas served on the rocks are just a tad slushy. Give the frozen peach margarita a try — it’s the best in town.
3129 E. McKellips Road, Mesa,

Best place to take out-of-towners:
3 Margaritas

With its colorful decor, strolling mariachi bands and not-too-spicy menu, 3 Margaritas isn’t particularly authentic — meaning, of course, that out-of-towners will eat it up. The restaurant offers a little of everything (chalupas, chili relleno, tamales, flautas and tostadas), though the spice level is like Switzerland — neutral. And while the decor may be a bit over-the-top, the atmosphere is lively and fun, making it the perfect place to take relatives from Albany to Atlanta to every place in between.
1717 S. Rural Road, Tempe, and 1850 E. Warner Road, Tempe,

Best chimichangas:
Macayo’s

Legend has it Macayo’s founder Woody Johnson invented the chimichanga (essentially a deep-fried burrito) some 50 years ago. We have no clue whether this is fact or fiction; we do, however, know that Macayo’s chimichangas are the highlight of the menu. Stuffed with shredded beef, chicken or pork and smothered with relleno sauce and sour cream, the chimis certainly aren’t a guilt-free indulgence (especially if you go for broke and order a side of guacamole). But boy, are they tasty.
Locations in Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee Foothills and Phoenix

Best Mexican food after 1 a.m.:
Filiberto’s

OK, so Filiberto’s isn’t exactly fine dining, but after a few Coronas, it tastes pretty darn good. Lucky for bar-hoppers, Filiberto’s drive-throughs are open 24 hours, which means you can get your taco fix at any time. The restaurant, which also serves breakfast 24/7, offers everything from fish tortas to carne asada tacos at prices nearly as low as the penny drink special at your favorite watering hole.
Locations in Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert and Phoenix

Best tacos:
Guedo’s Taco Shop

The name says it all. Guedo’s is tops when it comes to — you guessed it — tacos. Whether you opt for charbroiled beef, pork or marinated chicken, these bad boys — priced at a little more than $2 a pop — are sure to satisfy. Vegetarians will dig Guedo’s too, as the restaurant offers veggie rice and veggie bean tacos, both stuffed with avocado, cilantro, fresh salsa and onions.
603 W. University Drive, Tempe, ; 71 E. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, ; and 747 N. Val Vista Drive, Suite 110, Gilbert,

Best Mexican food with an Asian twist:
Blue Agave’s rice bowls

Tired of tacos? Try something a little less traditional at this cantina hot spot. Blue Agave offers such rice bowls as the tequila honey, featuring grilled filet mignon, chicken or shrimp tossed with Mexican rice and tequila honey sauce and topped with salsa and cheese. Or, for something with a bit more zip, try the spicy jalapeño cream cheese bowl. Best of all, the bowls are priced at less than $7, making them deliciously affordable to boot.

420 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, and 4280 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Suite 100, Scottsdale,

Best adventurous Mexican food:
El Tlacoyo

Brain burros may not be on the menu at your neighborhood Taco Bell, but they are at this hole-in-the-wall Tempe eatery. In addition to brains, El Tlacoyo also serves up tongue burros and worm tacos (made with worms shipped from the owner’s home of Hidalgo, Mexico). A true taste of home for many Valley residents, this no-frills restaurant also offers a huge selection of Mexican soft drinks.
2535 E. University Drive, Tempe,

Best ambience:
El Zócalo Mexican Grille’s patio

El Zócalo’s interior is nice — think high ceilings and simple, cement floors — but it’s the patio that makes this de la Cruz family restaurant a must-try. The lush patio, featuring a Spanish water fountain and a rainbow of flowers in chic, mismatched pots, is the place to dine, which is why reservations are highly recommended. In fact, the breathtaking patio is even booked in the middle of July — it’s just that charming.
28 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler,

Best tamales:
The Tamale Man

Andrew Cardon’s tamales are so beloved in these parts, he’s known simply as the Tamale Man. Cardon’s offerings (available individually or by the dozen and served with fresh, homemade salsa) include green corn tamales, beef tamales with red chili, chicken and cheese tamales, pork tamales and mushroom, black olive and cheese tamales. Best of all? The Tamale Man delivers!
1617 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale,

Best Mexican food without the guilt:
Blue Burrito Grille

Blue Burrito’s entire menu is prepared without an ounce of lard, meaning it’s light on calories but not on taste. Heart-healthy offerings include vegetarian fajitas, fish tacos with shredded cabbage (without cheese), vegetarian taco salad (with everything but the ground beef) and grilled chicken tacos. And while some of the menu items feature sour cream and guacamole, you can balance out the fat with a side of vegetarian black beans or Blue Burrito’s famous Mexican rice.
7318 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 101, Scottsdale, ; 3815 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, ; and 4622 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix,

Best authentic carnitas:
Tres Banderas Restaurant

Sure, Tres Banderas is a bit of a hike from the westernmost corners of the East Valley, but we guarantee the restaurant’s carnitas (seasoned roast pork and spices served with sour cream, guacamole, rice, beans and tortillas) are worth the gas money. The restaurant’s bean dip and tangy, homemade guacamole sweeten the deal even more.
1422 E. Broadway Ave., Apache Junction,

Best hole-in-the-wall lunch spot:
Susie’s Mexican Cafe

If you’re willing to sacrifice fancy ambience for cheap, tasty eats, head to this easy-to-miss eatery nestled just off University Drive and the Loop 101. Susie’s offers more than a dozen lunch specials priced at less than $5 (our fave is the carne asada tacos), along with penny beers during the lunch hour. Also, the servers are quick and efficient — meaning you’ll be in, out and on your way in no time.
2405 E. University Drive, Tempe,

Best breakfast burrito:
Mangos Mexican Cafe

Come lunchtime, you’re sure to encounter a line at Mangos snaking out of the tiny building. Swing by in the morning on your way to work, though, and the line’s bound to be a little more manageable. Plus, you can enjoy one of Mangos’ famous breakfast burritos, packed with eggs, potatoes, refried beans, cheese and fresh salsa. Regulars swear it’s the best thing on the menu — and who are we to argue with that?
44 W. Main St., Mesa,

Best beverages:
Pancho Villa’s aguas frescas

Pass up the Pepsi and give root beer the boot — Pancho Villa offers something a little more interesting to wash down your burrito. The restaurant serves up a huge selection of aguas frescas, traditional Mexican fresh fruit drinks, in such flavors as strawberry, cantaloupe, papaya, watermelon and mango. Or — if you’re feeling particularly adventurous — give the rice and cinnamon drink a try.
3305 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler,

Best restaurant for die-hard Mexican fans:
Los Dos Molinos

Loosely translated into gringo lingo, Los Dos Molinos means “only the tough taste buds survive.” That’s because the food here is beyond hot; so hot, in fact, that each table actually gets its own (large) water pitcher. Anything with a red or green sauce is fiery spicy, but in the tastiest way possible, of course. Even the complimentary salsa might be a bit too much for many patrons to handle — thank goodness Los Dos also offers fish bowl-size margaritas, perfect for taming the four-alarm fire on your tongue.
260 S. Alma School Road, Suite 137, Mesa, and 8646 S. Central Ave., Phoenix,